The SAAB 99 uses two identical Electrolux motors for the blower box and the radiator fan. They are very good quality motors and are easy to service. There are two sleeve bearings which should be cleaned an oiled. The brushes and commutator should be inspected and cleaned. I discovered the fan on the radiator was loose (and open just a bit) so some of the media blasting material got into it. There was also plenty of oil/grease/dirt to be cleaned up. After servicing, both of the motors run very smoothly and quietly. I was concerned about the state of the radiator fan motor because the previous owner had the fan switch leads shorted (permanently on!) due to over heating. I believe I was able to resolve the over heating issues by removing the anti-freeze throttle housing collar recall and having both the heater core and radiator serviced. The blower box also has a sleeve bearing on the opposite end of the impeller which should be cleaned and oiled.

To keep the brushes in place while the motor is put backed together, I used Western Electric waxed cord.

The blasting revealed the extent of the rust damage. Fortunately for the areas of concern it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. We did find new areas from a previous repair job on the left rear quarter and left rear door along with evidence of bondo. All the bondo was removed and any rust damage to the bottom of the doors will be patched with fiberglas.

This is about as stripped as she is going to get before the media blaster does the rest. I am not pulling the engine or getting the interior blasted except for the exposed wings and door jambs where there are rust issues.

After some careful thought, consultation, second opinions et cetera .. I think the best route seems to be to strip down the car myself, get it media blasted and then have an independent body shop work on getting the car a new finish. Because there are several rust spots, media blasting will really help to make sure the car gets a proper foundation for a good paint job and even more important expose any issues that may be covered up with paint and bondo. Without taking care of the rust spots now, they’ll always be a problem.

Fortunately I have a good friend who has been in the business for about 35 years and has good contacts as well as tools/techniques and suggestions. We worked out a deal and got started on the car today. We should have it ready for Alternative Blasting sometime in early July.

(Took the door handle off to start working on the door and quarter panel)